Bale stacker

ABSTRACT

A trailer stacker for a tractor-drawn baler wherein a platform is mounted on wheels to receive bales from the baler for manual stack building on the platform; a ram operated by the hydraulic system of the tractor for elevating the platform and depositing the built stack on the ground; feet carried by the rear part of the platform for contact with the ground in the stack-depositing operation to take the weight of the stack and platform, and prevent stack tipping or ground movement; said stack adapted to be deposited on runners carried by the platform for withdrawal from under the deposited stack, when the stacker is drawn ahead in the stack depositing position; a pivoted hitch between the baler and the stacker for accommodating the movements of the two machines over uneven ground; and means for locking the hitch against said accommodating movements and locking the steering of the stacker, for elevation of the front wheels thereof clear of the ground when the baler is removed and said hitch is directly connected to the drawbar of the tractor, for relift of deposited stacks and their removal to another location.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Gerhard E. Schettler;

Emery Schettler, McLean, Saskatchewan; Peter B. Anderson, Southey,Saskatchewan,

Canada {21] Appl. No. 801,580 [22] Filed Feb. 24, 1969 [45] PatentedFeb. 23, 1971 [54] BALE STACKER Primary Examiner-Albert J. MakayAttorney Walter C. Boggiss ABSTRACT: A trailer stacker for atractor-drawn baler wherein a platform is mounted on wheels to receivebales from the baler for manual stack building on the platform; a ramoperated by the hydraulic system of the tractor for elevating theplatform and depositing the built stack on the ground; feet carried bythe rear part of the platform for contact with the ground in thestack-depositing operation to take the weight of the stack and platform,and prevent stack tipping or ground movement; said stack adapted to bedeposited on runners carried by the platform for withdrawal from underthe deposited stack, when the stacker is drawn ahead in the stackdepositing position; a pivoted hitch between the baler and the stackerfor accommodating the movements of the two machines over uneven ground;and means for locking the hitch against said accommodating movements andlocking the steering of the stacker, for elevation of the front Wheelsthereof clear of the ground when the baler is removed and said hitch isdirectly connected to the drawbar of the tractor, for relift ofdeposited stacks and their removal to another location.

PATENTEU FEB23I97! 3,565,272

SHEET 2 OF 3 INV-ENTORS Gerhard E.St:hetfler Emery Schema Petgr B.Anderson BALE smokes The present invention is an improvement over formerU.S. Pat. No. 3,357,580, dated Dec. 12, 1967, for Bale Stack Loaders andUnloaders, in the names of Gerhard E. Schettler and Emery Schettler, andthe principal general objects thereof, like the above former patent,are: to provide a trailer stacker for drawing behind a tractor-pulledbaling machine for bale delivery thereto from said baler, such that thebales can be hand arranged and interlocked in a stack on said stacker byan operator; the dump mechanism of the stacker connected to thehydraulic system of the tractor for operation thereby for power dump ofsaid built stack on the ground without spilling, including relifting ofthe dumped stacks for transport and deposit to another location, whenrequired. A further object of the invention is: to design and constructan improved frame for support and upending of the stack-supportingplatform.

A further object of the invention is: to design and provide dump shoeson the rear of the stacker platform to support the stack being up-endedand prevent stacker movement, including tipping of the stack in thefinal movement.

A further object of the invention is: to provide an improvedreinforcement on the platform for the rear stake runners.

A further object of the invention is: to provide a traction hitchlinkage between the stacker and the draft machine for accommodatingmovements of the two machines over undu lating ground.

A further object of the invention is:' to provide means on the tractionhitch linkage and on the stacker frame for clear elevation of the frontwheels of the stacker above the ground, when draft connected to thetractor for relocation of stacks.

With the above important and other minor objects in view, which willbecome more apparent asthe description proceeds, the invention consistsessentially in the design, construction and arrangement of the variousparts hereinafter more par ticularly described, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in the several FIGS. and wherein:

FIG. l is a side view of the stacker loaded with bales;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the same stacker in the dumped position;

FIG. 3 is a partial view of the underside of the stacker platform in thedumped position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view. of the front portion of thestacker frame and the rear part of the traction hitch;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the forward part of the traction hitch;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear part of the stackerframe; I

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the reinforced end of a runneron the stacker platform;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective of the rear part of thestacker platform and showing the runners;

FIG. 9 is a reduced side view of the stacker and connected to a tractorfor stack moving.

The stacker shown in FIG. 1 is carried by front and rear wheels lb and11 respectively. These wheels support a frame which is best shown inFIG. 4 and 6 and will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 6, the wheels 11 are mounted on stub axles l2 and 313which support a built-up axle 14 which comprises an upper square tubing15 welded to lower inverted end channels 16 and 17 which in turn arewelded to and support a lower crossbar l8, spaced from the tubing 15.Each end of the axle 1d carries the rear ends of a pair of frame channelirons 19 and 20 through vertical plates 14', and the channel ironsconverge as they pass ahead. A crossbar 21 connects the frame channels,and three spaced saddle bars 22, 23 and 24 extend centrally back fromthis crossbar with their rear ends supported in the spacing between thetubing 15 and the crossbar 18. Just in front of the rear axle 14, thesaddle bars are each provided with a bearing 25 for a purpose laterexplained. The central part of the crossbar 21 also supports a lowertriangular-shaped plate 26, the rear end of which is welded to thesaddle bar 23 while the front end projects in a bracket 27.

Referring to FIG. 4, the front ends of the frame channels 19 and 20terminate in a large boxing 28 which forms a vertical bearing for akingpin 29, the upper end of which is secured to a rectangular-shapedhorizontal plate 30. The lower end of the kingpin is supported from abuilt-up tongue 31 carried by side axles 32 and 33 which rotatablyreceive the front wheels It). The kingpin is also reinforced by angularbars 34 from both the tongue and the side axles. A downwardly slopingbar 35 connects the front of the plate 30 with the tongue 31, so thatwhen the tongue and kingpin turn to steer the wheels 10, the sloping bar35 and the plate 30 will turn therewith.

The rear part of the tongue 31 carries a pair of lugs 56, one on eachside, and each lug pivotally carries a link 37. An upper lug 38 on therear end of the tongue is pivotally connected to a further pair of links39. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the above links are unattached and thetongue 31 is free to turn the wheels 10 in a wide sweep. However, whenrequired, the free ends of the above links can be lifted and bolted, asat 40, (FIGS. 2 and 9) to the bracket 27 to hold the tongue straightlengthwise and against turning. It will also be noted in FIG. 4 that afront crossbar 41 connects the frame channels 19 and 20 and in turnsupports buffer blocks 42, one on each channel.

By again referring to FIG. 6 it will be seen that a pair of lugs 43 arewelded to the rear ends of the frame channels 19 and 20 and pivotallycarry arms 44, one, on each lug, which are welded to and each supportone of the rear corners of a platform 45 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Thisplatform comprises a double framework 46 and 47, bolted together inflush relation as indicated at 48 (FIG. 3) and then covered with a wiremesh surface 49 for the support of bales 50 thereon (FIGS. 1 and 2).This platform is reinforced by spaced under trusses 51, one on eachside. Three spaced pivot points 52 are centrally provided at the jointof the double frameworks. In the present instance, the central one ofthese pivot points only is connected, through a ram 53, with the centralbearing 25 of the saddle member 23, so the platform can be hydraulicallylifted on the bosses 43 for the stack-dumping operation, as shown inFIG. 2, or returned onto the buffer blocks 42, as shown in FIG. 1.

If desired, two rams could be connected (not shown) between the outerpivot points 52 and the bearings 25 of the outer saddle members 22 and24, or three rams could be used if the central one 53 were retained incombination with the outer two. The front of the platform carries aforward sloping rail 54, (FIG. 1).

It will be noted in FIG. 8 that a series of vertical runners 55 arecarried by the rear end of the platform 45, and against which the bales50 may be stacked (see FIG. 1). The upper ends of the runners arepointed while-their lower ends pass through straps 56, bolted to therear edge of the platform. The runners then continue down to a positiontherebelow and between a pair of guide angles 57 (FIG. 7) carried byshort angles 58 on the bottom of the platform. The extreme ends of therunners are then bolted at 59 (FIG. 3) to the angles 58. Accordingly,the runners swing with the platform.

It will be particularly noted in FIG. 3,.and also in FIG. 6, that therear end of the platform andthe frame channels 19 and 20 carry a pair ofski-shaped feet members 60, each through a double-forked linkage 61. Thenarrow forks of these linkages span the reinforcing plates 62 of thefeet members. The wider forks of the linkages span and are pivotconnected to the arms 44, the lugs 43, and a pair of further arms 63which are positioned in space-parallel relation with those 44, and aresimilarly secured to the platform. Further rear pairs of spaced arms 64pivotally connect the feet parts 62 with each side of the platform 45through the linkages 61.

The forward end of the tongue3l is provided with a pair of projectinglugs 65 which pivotally support the rear end of a traction hitch 66 (seeFIG. 4), the hitch having a front clevis 7 (FIG. 5) for attachment to adraft machine, such as a baler or a tractor.

A vertical angle 68 extends upwardly from the rear of the hitch 66 andsupports an angularly positioned square tubing 69 which extends from thehitch and projects slightly overthe angle 68 to be secured to a U-shapedplate 70. The tubing 69 also carries a short piece of tubing 71. Thefront portion of the hitch (see FIG. 5) supports a short verticalstandard 72 which terminates in an upper broken ring 73. This ringreceives the hosings (not shown) from the hydraulic system of thetractor 79, which then pass through the tubing 71 (FIG. 4) and into theboxing 28 at 73' where they pass back through the frame for connectionto the ram 53. A Y-shaped clevis 74 is pivotally straddled over thesloping bar 35 and can be adjusted thereon by changing the pivot to thevarious holes shown at 75. The leg of this Y is received in the cenn'alslot of the U-shaped plate 70 and a cross pin 76 prevents its withdrawaland normally holds the hitch 66 elevated on the tongue 31. When thishitch is connected to the baler drawbar (not shown) for delivery ofbales to the stacker, the U-shaped plate 70 slides back and forth on theleg of the Y-shaped clevis 74 as the hitch pivots to accommodatevariations in the land between the two machines. A cross pin (not shown)can be passed through a hole 77 (FIG. 1) in the leg of the clevis 74 toprevent this movement, and a pair of square bars 78 are welded to thetop rear portion of the plate 70 for contact with this pin to preventthe clevis from rising. Accordingly, when this pin is in place and thelinks 37 and 39 are bolted to the bracket 27 and the hitch connection 67is secured direct to the drawbar of the tractor 79, as shown in FIG. 9,the higher position of this latter drawbar will cause the front wheelsto be elevated above the ground and the stacker will be carried on thetwo rear wheels 11.

When operating in the field, the tractor 79 is first connected to thebaler (not shown) which in turn is connected to the hitch of thestacker. Accordingly, as the baler is drawn over the ground and thebales are formed, they are delivered onto the platform 45 of the stackerwhere an operator builds them into a horizontal stack, against therunners 55. When the peak of the stack is being formed at the front ofthe platform the operator is protected from falling off by the forwardsloping rail 54. In this building operation it will be seen that theplatform 45 is tipped slightly rearward to place some of the bale weightagainst the runners 55, while the links 37 and 39 are disconnected fromthe bracket 27 and the pin is removed from the hole 77, so the frontwheels 10 are free to steer and the traction hitch 66 is free to pivotup and down. When the stack is built the machines are stopped, and theoperator on the tractor 79 moves the hydraulic control to dump the stackby the ram 53, as shown in FIG. 2. As the platform rises to the verticalposition, the rear feet 60 come into contact with the ground to take theweight of the stack being dumped, and the rear wheels 11 are slightlylifted to prevent stacker or stack side movement while the runners comedown onto the ground. When the stack is firmly deposited, the tractor,with baler, is driven ahead, thus drawing the stacker therebehind on thefront wheels 10 and the rear feet 60, and as the vertical platform 45leaves this deposited stack the runners 55 are drawn from thereunder.The operator then reverses the hydraulic controls to lower the platformback onto the buffer blocks 42 and the feet 60 come back up into placeclear of the ground, as shown in FIG. 1. The baling operation is thencontinued until the next stack is built on the platform ready fordeposit.

When the baling is completed and all the stacks have been set up inplace, the baler is disconnected from between the tractor and thestacker. The links 37 and 39 of the stacker frame are lifted and boltedto the bracket 27, a pin is placed in the hole 77 of the clevis 74, andthe clevis 67 of the traction hitch is directly connected to the drawbar(not shown) of the ,tractor 79, and as this drawbar is much higher thanthe one on the baler, the front wheels of the stacker are lifted wellofi the ground, as shown in FIG. 9. By this arrangement, the stackeracts in the manner of a two-wheeled trailer and the operator on thetractor can quickly maneuver the stacker into the various positionsrequired when stacks are to be relifted, transported and redeposited.

In the relifting operation, the stacker is backed up into alignment withthe stack to be relifted, the hydraulic s stem of the tractor rsoperated to upend the platform 45 to t e dump position, with the runners55 on the ground. The tractor then backs the stacker against the stack,the runners 55 sliding thereunder until the platform 45 comes intocontact. The ram 53 is then operated to return the platform onto thebuffer blocks 42 and the stack is lifted back onto the stacker to theposition shown in FIG. 1. The operator then drives the tractor, with theloaded stacker, to a suitable spot selected which is off the field, andthe stack is redumped, as previously explained. The stacker is thenreturned to the field and the other stacks are orderly lifted, taken tothe same selected spot, dumped, and pressed into contact with theoriginal dumped stacks by backing the stacker thereagainst with thetractor. When all the stacks have been so removed and compactly stackedtogether, the field will be cleared entirely for plowing, or other use.

We claim:

1. A bale stacker, comprising: a wheel-supported platform having aseries of spaced vertical runners across the rear end thereof forreception of a stack of the bales thereon and against said runners; therear end of said platform pivotally mounted; an hydraulic ram carried bythe stacker for power upending the platform on its pivotal mount andlowering said runners for ground deposit of the stack of bales on therunners; a pair of end-curved feet mounted on the platform, one on eachside thereof, with each foot pivotally connected to the rear end of thestacker, for rolling contact of said feet and platfonn on the ground toa braked flat position therewith, including lift of the stacker duringsaid platform upending, for support of the deposited stack withoutupset; and said runners slidable from under said ground-deposited stackin withdrawal of the stacker therefrom.

2. A bale stacker, comprising: a wheel-supported platform for stackreception thereon; said platform having the rear end thereof pivotallymounted and supporting a series of spaced vertical runners thereacrossfor stack reception against said runners; an hydraulic ram carried bythe stacker for power upending the platform on its pivotal mount and forground deposit of a received stack on said runners; a hitch linkagepivotally connecting said stacker with a draft machine to accommodatemovements of the two machines over uneven ground; and means for lockingsaid linkage against said movements so the stacker can be lifted on itsback wheels by said linkage, with the front wheels thereof clear of theground.

3. A bale stacker, comprising: a front and rear wheeled frame having aplatform supported and rear pivoted thereon; the rear end of saidplatform having a spaced series of vertical runners thereacross for thebuilding of a stack of bales on the framework against said runners; anhydraulic ram carried by said frame for power upending the platform onits pivotal mount and ground deposit of the built-up stack of bales onsaid runners; a tongue for steering the front support Wheels of saidframe around a kingpin; and link means for releasably connecting saidtongue with the frame, to lock the front wheels against said steeringand permit lift of the front end of the stacker on the back supportwheels thereof by said tongue.

4. A four-wheel supported bale stacker, comprising: a pair offront-converging frame members rear carried by a cross axle and thefront end thereof terminating in a boxing which receives a kingpincarried by a tongue, said tongue adapted for turning the front supportwheels around said kingpin; a platform supported by and rear pivoted onsaid frame members, and carrying a rear series of spaced verticalrunners thereacross; said platform adapted for the building of a stackof bales thereon against said runners; a crossbar carried by the framemembers, and a saddle member supported between the cross bar and therear axle; an hydraulic ram pivotally connecting the saddle member with,and for power upending of, the platform, to ground deposit a built stackon said runners; and link means for releasably connecting said tonguewith said saddle member to lock the front support wheels against saidturning.

1. A bale stacker, comprising: a wheel-supported platform having a series of spaced vertical runners across the rear end thereof for reception of a stack of the bales thereon and against said runners; the rear end of said platform pivotally mounted; an hydrauliC ram carried by the stacker for power upending the platform on its pivotal mount and lowering said runners for ground deposit of the stack of bales on the runners; a pair of end-curved feet mounted on the platform, one on each side thereof, with each foot pivotally connected to the rear end of the stacker, for rolling contact of said feet and platform on the ground to a braked flat position therewith, including lift of the stacker during said platform upending, for support of the deposited stack without upset; and said runners slidable from under said ground-deposited stack in withdrawal of the stacker therefrom.
 2. A bale stacker, comprising: a wheel-supported platform for stack reception thereon; said platform having the rear end thereof pivotally mounted and supporting a series of spaced vertical runners thereacross for stack reception against said runners; an hydraulic ram carried by the stacker for power upending the platform on its pivotal mount and for ground deposit of a received stack on said runners; a hitch linkage pivotally connecting said stacker with a draft machine to accommodate movements of the two machines over uneven ground; and means for locking said linkage against said movements so the stacker can be lifted on its back wheels by said linkage, with the front wheels thereof clear of the ground.
 3. A bale stacker, comprising: a front and rear wheeled frame having a platform supported and rear pivoted thereon; the rear end of said platform having a spaced series of vertical runners thereacross for the building of a stack of bales on the framework against said runners; an hydraulic ram carried by said frame for power upending the platform on its pivotal mount and ground deposit of the built-up stack of bales on said runners; a tongue for steering the front support wheels of said frame around a kingpin; and link means for releasably connecting said tongue with the frame, to lock the front wheels against said steering and permit lift of the front end of the stacker on the back support wheels thereof by said tongue.
 4. A four-wheel supported bale stacker, comprising: a pair of front-converging frame members rear carried by a cross axle and the front end thereof terminating in a boxing which receives a kingpin carried by a tongue, said tongue adapted for turning the front support wheels around said kingpin; a platform supported by and rear pivoted on said frame members, and carrying a rear series of spaced vertical runners thereacross; said platform adapted for the building of a stack of bales thereon against said runners; a crossbar carried by the frame members, and a saddle member supported between the cross bar and the rear axle; an hydraulic ram pivotally connecting the saddle member with, and for power upending of, the platform, to ground deposit a built stack on said runners; and link means for releasably connecting said tongue with said saddle member to lock the front support wheels against said turning. 